UNIOPOLIS — Uniopolis Village Council members unanimously appointed Martin Leppla to fill an unexpired council seat at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Leppla, 59, who has been a resident of the village for about 25 years, said he thinks he can be a benefit to the community.

“I will be on the Street Committee, so I feel I can help out there,” Leppla said.

UNIOPOLIS — Uniopolis Village Council members unanimously appointed Martin Leppla to fill an unexpired council seat at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Leppla, 59, who has been a resident of the village for about 25 years, said he thinks he can be a benefit to the community.

“I will be on the Street Committee, so I feel I can help out there,” Leppla said.

Leppla was an Auglaize County worker for 35 years before retiring, spending much time working on county roads. He said the village faces many tough tasks over the next year, and said he feels he can help out with those tasks also.

He said the dilemma of village operating funds is at the top of the list.

“There are no funds to operate,” Leppla said. “We are facing the reality of having to unincorporate or having a tax levy. That is our top priority right now.

Leppla will finish the term of Councilor Greg Ritchie, who had been serving as council president, but moved into the mayor position after Bill Rolston resigned in December.

The term expires in December, but Leppla said he plans to run for the position in November.

Leppla has not held any other elected positions previously. He and his wife, Linda, have three grown children.

In other business, Village Clerk Angela Woodruff said the villages audit came back with a positive report.

Woodruff said the state Auditor’s Office only pointed out two minor bookkeeping errors in giving the village a solid report.

“We passed with flying colors,” Woodruff said.

Councilors also designated June 14-15 for the annual community garage sale.